Abstract This paper takes a critical look at the book "Rare Earth: Why Complex Life is Uncommon in the Universe", by Peter Ward and Donald Brownlee. It discusses their theories of the beginning of life on Earth and additional theories to life on other planets. It challenges their research and data and offers other explanations and theories.
From the Paper "Was the occurrence of complex life on the planet Earth an isolated event or simply the next logical step in evolution? Ward and Brownlee seem to believe complex life is unique to our home world or at least extremely scarce in the Universe.1 In addition to the factors in their Rare Earth equation, mentioned in their book are some specific factors peculiar to Earth that may have affected the development of complex life. Beginning with the planet Mars, W&B argue that the fossil record shows that the cooling Earth developed bacterial life as soon as conditions permitted. They suggest that this may be because the bacteria first developed on Mars, which cooled earlier, and that perhaps Earth was then seeded with these bacteria carried by meteorites reaching our planet after having been ejected from Mars by asteroid impacts. The low gravity of Mars makes this more likely, and it is estimated that ten percent of meteors ejected from Mars may impact Earth. A system lacking a Mars-like planetary companion might have been slower to develop bacterial life."
Abstract This paper exames the possibility that life does exist in other star systems in this galaxy and argues that it is very likely.
From the Paper "A helpful tool used to estimate the number of technological civilizations that might exist among the stars was developed in 1961 by Dr. Frank Drake. Called the Drake Equation, it identifies specific factors thought to play a role in the development of such civilizations. Some of the things taken into consideration is the rate of formation of suitable stars on which life might exist, the fractions of those stars with planets, the fraction of planets where life develops, and other such things (The Drake Equation)."
Tags: alien, drake, equation, extraterrestrial, galaxy, life, mars
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the solar system is a unique combination of many different types of planets, which has many different things that it can offer to humans. However, the the writer points out, planet Earth offers the most beneficial climate and diversity for human life. The writer notes that many of the other planets are entirely devoid of life. The writer discusses that despite the fact that there are eight planets in our solar system, only Mars (other than Earth) seems to be capable of containing human life at all. The writer maintains that Mars has many of the requisites that are needed to sustain human life, such as the possibility of water, small amounts of oxygen, and a possibility of life. The writer concludes that if humans were to ever colonize another planet in the solar system, Mars would be the most intelligent choice.
From the Paper "Apart from the cold at its poles (which is far more extreme than Earth's), Mercury shares very little in common with Earth. It would be very difficult for humans to inhabit Mercury. The temperature extremes, the lack of water, and the lack of a protective atmosphere would quickly decimate human life attempting to live there. Current space craft could succeed in landing humans on Mercury, but it is unlikely that there would be a way to maintain proper oxygen levels for survival.
"Venus is another planet that is very inhospitable. Yet, for several reasons, it is known as the sister planet to Earth: Venus is similar to Earth's size (95% its diameter, 80% of its mass. Both planets do not have many craters, which points to young surfaces."
Tags: solar, system, temperature, conditions, human, life
Abstract This paper describes the history of human observation of Mars, as well as the modern system of exploration and observation. The paper goes on to establish promotions and objections of future human development of Mars, as it would be accomplished through a process of terraforming.
Outline:
Physical Characteristics
History of Observation of Mars Modern Martian Exploration
The 'Life on Mars' Debate
The Moons of Mars Martian Geology
Terraforming Mars
From the Paper "Mars, Ares, Tiw, the god of war; the red planet has been revered as the bringer or bloodshed with its red color in the sky, like the color of blood. The planet adjacent to Earth has been an object of mystery and wonder from the time the first human turned his head skyward, to the time when the first telescope was used to observe Mars and its mysterious "canals," to the present day, as humans continue to send spacecraft to the red planet to expand on existing knowledge."
Abstract This paper discusses The Red Planet, Mars. The author examines the conditions, life, and gives detailed information about the planet's atmosphere and its two moons. The paper also looks at the possibility of life surviving on Mars' desert-like environment.
From the Paper "Mars, it is the fourth planet from the sun. It is closet planet to the planet that we live on. Mars is the planet with more solar exploration than any other planet in our universe. Mars is the one planet that has an atmosphere similar to ours. Mercury, Venus, and Pluto have had all of their atmospheres burned off and Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune all have atmospheres that are hundreds of time more violent than the calm atmospheres of Earth and Mars. Mars is also the only planet in which we have identified that there was once water on the surface of the planet. We have discovered huge canyons that resemble the ones on Earth. This is also the reason why we believe that the Red Planet might have once had or still does have life on it."
Abstract The paper explains that stars are set up to have planets circling around them and it is on those planets that scientists search to locate other life forms that may exist. The paper reveals that a growing body of scientists believe that there is/was life on Mars. The paper discusses how, with the advances in technology, it may not be long until we find a planet with living beings.
Outline:
Introduction
Stars
The Search For Life Conclusion
From the Paper "Man has been working on science since the beginning of time. As the human race continues to evolve, technology become more advanced and the ability to answer questions accurately grows stronger. One of the questions that has continued to stump mankind since the beginning of time is whether or not there is life out there. Songs are written about it, movies depicting aliens abound and books convey the belief that there is life on other planets and in other solar systems, however, to date no scientific evidence has been found that can support that belief. The technological advances that have occurred in recent history have allowed man to provide a more structured research setting to answer the questions about life bearing planets and alien life."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of abortion while taking a pro-life stance. It gives a brief overview of the pro-life movement and discusses the focus on the psychological and physical effects that abortion can have on women. In addition, it examines the pro-life alternatives that are available to women who are facing an unwanted pregnancy. This paper attempts to convince the reader to accept the pro-life stance on abortion.
From the Paper "The issue of abortion has long been one of debate in our nation. On one side of the issue there are advocates of a woman's right to choose which is referred to as the pro-choice movement. On the other side there are individuals and groups that assert that abortions should not be legal this is known as the pro-life movement. For the purposes of this discussion I would like to defend the pro-life stance."
Tags: pro-life, abortion, stance, posture, issue, womens, rights, choice, movement
Abstract This paper relates that the theme in Ernest Hemingway's short story, "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber", is that it is better to live a short and happy life with authenticity than to live a long and unhappy life without authenticity. More specifically, the paper looks at how, the character of Macomber does not live a happy life until he proves himself. The paper further explains that Macomber begins his life innocent and spoiled in a protected society, then becomes awakened to reality in the dangers of Africa, and ends self-fulfilled by achieving authenticity and happiness in a fatal world.
From the Paper "In stage three of his initiation, Macomber achieves authenticity and happiness in a fatal world. He panics while shooting a large male, but the very fear that makes him run away from danger, teaches him, in less than twenty-four hours, how to face a charging buffalo with all the bravery of a seasoned hunter. When Macomber finds out that the buffalo is still alive, "for the first time in his life he really felt wholly without fear" for which "instead of fear he had a feeling of definite elation" (24). Ben Stoltzfus suggests that in choosing to face this challenge Macomber "asserts a new identity and, in putting cowardice behind him, he defines an authentic self". Macomber is no longer afraid; in fact he is eager to kill the buffalo. Hemingway describes Macomber's change as a "wild unreasonable happiness" which feels "like a dam bursting inside himself" (25). "
Abstract This paper discusses the philosophy of good life given by the great thinker Aristotle. It looks at Aristotle's view that there are certain external and internal goods available to man, and it is through the attainment of internal goods that man is able to live a life that can be identified as a ?good life?.
From the Paper "Aristotle was the prized student of Socrates and his works though are not widely available are still considered to be of great significant to the world of euphemism. The philosophical thought is incomplete without the works of Aristotle as his contribution is huge and some of his views are studies even today by the students of philosophy. Aristotle's theory of a good life is based one certain actions and virtues which fall in the realm of ethics. It was the view of Aristotle that good life means a man should act while in possession of certain external goods. By this it means that one should possess all moral and intellectual virtues in order to qualify as someone with a good life. The moral virtues to him were prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. All these virtues are based on reason and it was the Aristotelian view that reason and logic should be given precedence over passion. Intellectual virtues are based on pure theoretical contemplation and they cannot be considered very practical as they seem to arise from Aristotle's views on logic and a Stoic philosophy which meant that man must first not act purely on impulse or passion but should think carefully before acting."
This is a creative writing essay about life in college from the author's point of view, providing an account of the "college experience" as well as tips on how to survive college.
710 words (approx. 2.8 pages), 0 sources, 2001, $ 25.95
Abstract This is a creative writing essay about life in college from the author's point of view. This paper projects the hypothesis that experiences and challenges of college are likely to change students. College life has an impact on every student in some way. The life becomes so hectic at times that every student faces stress at one time or another. The paper gives tips on important things that will help students survive college such as - time management, extracurricular activities and dealing with stress.
From the Paper "College life presents many challenges for incoming students. Academically, many students find college to be much more difficult than high school. Students are concerned with not only their academic success at college, but their social and emotional adjustment as well. I felt really concerned if I would fit in with the crowd or not. Then another pressure was that I was able to make college on a scholarship and had to maintain my grades if I hoped to be given another scholarship for further studies. This paper projects the hypothesis that Experiences and challenges of college are likely to change students. College life has an impact on every student in some way. One of the major assumptions of faculty and parents towards students is that they are thought of as irresponsible and immature. The life becomes so hectic at times that every student faces stress at one time or another. Time management is one of the things that a student needs to learn in order to survive in college. "
Abstract This essay discusses the life of people in ancient Egypt. It describes how they lived and what family life was like. More than anything, we see how Egypt was a profoundly religious society.
Abstract An unexamined life is a life that is assuming, conventional, and unchallenging. People who live unexamined lives are content with what they were taught and accept these teachings as knowledge. They do not question authority, and they do not ponder why things are. This paper encompasses the theories expressed by the Greek philosopher, Socrates, and his view of what he called the "unexamined life".
From the Paper "There needs to be a middle ground between claiming to have knowledge and knowing that you do not have knowledge but being unhappy about it and dedicating your existence to the quest for truth. If we realize that we, in actuality, do not have any knowledge, we have taken the first step in having knowledge. We may then question subjects until we find answers that vary from person to person. This is not knowledge -these are simply beliefs. Beliefs are an essential part of life. Having beliefs relates to living an examined life. They allow us to expand our minds and think beyond what we know as possibility and modify these beliefs to somehow realistically apply to our lives. This can give us a sense of fulfillment."
Abstract This paper studies Erik Erikson's life cycle stage development theory. The paper applies the eights stages of Erikson's model to the life history of a retired 69-year-old male accountant.
From the Paper "My interpreter is named Don Weldon, a 69 year-old retired accountant who is divorced with one male son. Mr. Weldon worked for Penn State University for over thirty years and resides in State College Pennsylvania in the summers and Lakeland Florida in the winter..."
Tags: Erikson, life cycle, stage development, friends, family, life history, human growth
Abstract This paper examines psychosocial stages of life in the context of a 1992 interview with a 68-year-old woman. It discusses influences of her cohort, gender, Jewish identity and major and secondary themes in her life. The author concludes that she is in Erikson's life stage of Integrity versus Despair.
From the Paper "A Psychosocial View of a Life. Rose a Jewish woman who lived much of her life in the Midwest was years old when interviewed. Her life course is both distinctive and typical in many characteristics of her generation the parents of the baby boomers her ..."
Abstract This paper paper introduces, summarizes and discusses an article about the stance on abortion taken by pro-life feminists entitled, "Abortion and the Sexual Agenda: A Case for Pro-life Feminism". The paper examines the moral and philosophical questions involved in this hotly debated topic and examines the arguments against abortion put forth by pro-life feminists.
From the Paper "There are few debates that rage as passionately as the argument regarding abortion and women's reproductive rights. Indeed, this topic inevitably gives rise to the discussion of moral and philosophical questions about personhood and fetal rights. The debate becomes even more interesting, however, when approached from opposing feminist perspectives, as both pro-choice and pro-life feminists are committed to bringing about full social equality for women, yet view the abortion issue in entirely different lights. While it may seem that feminism requires a certain support of abortion as part of..."
Tags: abortion, pro-life, pro-choice, feminism, fetal rights, social equality
